This technology belongs to the LowPowerWide Area Network (LPWAN), which includes, for example, the most famous SIGFOX, LoRa and many more.
The main advantages of these technologies are:
- Low power consumption (ideal for battery powered devices with up to 10 years operation)
- Low data transmission volumes
- Small size modules
- Long range up to 15 km
- Good obstacle penetration
This figure shows the main differences between technologies used for wireless data transmission. For example, GSM/GPRS module consumes around 10-15mA current in standby mode, on the other hand BC95 consumes only 5uA, which is a huge difference and allows BC95 to run from battery up to 10years.
Recommended applications for NB-Iot modules:
Energy
a) Electricity meter
b) Gas meter
c) Water meter
d) Heat meter
e) Smart Grid
f) Wind turbines
g) Solar panel
h) Charging Pile
Smart City
a) Street lighting
b) Traffic light
c) Elevator
d) Digital signage
e) Advertisement Display
f) LED Lightning
g) Garbage Bin monitoring
h) Parking
This was basic description and comparison of the LPWAN technologies.
Next, we will only focus on the modulu BC95.
Quectel offers 3 basic versions that work on different frequency bands:
BC95-B5 (850MHz)
BC95-B8 (900MHz)
BC95-B20 (800MHz)
All these modules are mechanically compatible and have same functionality. In addition, they are pin compatible with the M95 GSM/GPRS module. For more information on modules compatibility, please check Quectel_BC95&M95 R2.0_Compatible_Design_V1.1.
The supply voltage is in the range of 3.1 - 4.2V, but the typical supply voltage is 3.8V. Historically, some customers expect that the module will operate at 3.1V, but if battery voltage drops under 80% of nominal voltage of an LiSoCl battery, the module stops running. Therefore, the manufacturer gives the typical voltage as well as the battery life information.
Battery use depends on every single application, so please consider using batteries, and if it is a must, we recommend using high quality LiSoCl batteries from e.g. XENO from our offer.
For more information, block diagram, etc., complete documentation of BC95 modules, please visit: BC95 documentation site.
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